Respect from players is often the truest measure of a coach’s success. It’s not just about tactics; it’s about creating trust and strong leadership. Mauricio Pochettino has shown exactly this kind of leadership with the USMNT. Instead of following the footsteps of his predecessor, Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino allowed his players more freedom to express themselves on the field. The results have been clear—earning praises for his playing philosophy.

Taking over the USMNT was never going to be a straightforward task for Pochettino, but he’s handled it with confidence. When Pochettino faced Panama in his first match as coach, the result was a 2-0 victory, a stark contrast to the 2-1 loss the team suffered earlier in the year under Berhalter during the Copa America group stage. It seems like the former Chelsea coach’s approach is working, as the players seem to be responding to the freedom he’s given them.

Mauricio Pochettino’s time with the USMNT has been an intriguing chapter, drawing praise from legends of the game like Tony Meola and Jimmy Conrad. Speaking on CBS Sports Galazo’s Call It What You Want podcast, the two legends shared their thoughts on how Pochettino has brought credibility and freedom to the team in unique ways. Tony Meola highlighted the respect Pochettino has earned from the players by not being overly controlling.

“Sometimes it’s better to go with a bigger manager who’s been there before. So you understand how everything works, right? And how, because you all want to make an impression. We all want to make an impression. But under Pochettino, I think instant respect, instant credibility.“ Meola believes the trust Pochettino places in his players is key. Instead of dictating every move, he allows them the freedom to figure things out.

Jimmy Conrad added his perspective, especially on how players like Ricardo Pepe are thriving under the Argentine coach’s leadership. “so what I love and what I’ve seen so far from Pochettino, especially when you hear Ricardo Pepi’s thoughts about having the freedom to play is, and this is, I like this style of coaching as well, is hey I’m going to set up some parameters and I’m going to put you in the starting positions that I want you to be in but then from there I want you to make good soccer decisions based on how the play is unfolding, how the situation is unfolding“

Could Pochettino’s philosophy set a new standard for coaching? Interestingly, even a former USMNT player and coach has shared insights on this subject.

Mauricio Pochettino’s philosophy gets a seal of approval from an American soccer coach

Mauricio Pochettino’s impact on the USMNT continues to spark conversations. Notable figures have been quick to dispense their verdict on his reign so far. That was also the case with former USMNT player Eric Wynalda. He shared his perspective on the coach’s fresh approach. Though Pochettino hasn’t been at the helm for too long, both the results and the reactions from players impressed Wynalda. “I don’t know if you got to see Pochettino’s, they’ve released some of the things that he’s been saying to our guys.”

Echoing earlier sentiments from Jimmy Conrad, Wynalda praised the way players like Ricardo Pepi have responded.“Then we’ve seen some interviews coming out of guys like Pepe who are saying, our coach doesn’t tell us to do anything in the final third. He’s telling us that he’s relying on our creativity. Man, was that so cool to hear. For me, just as a coach, as a former player, as somebody who really wants to see this U.S. national team do well.“

Do you agree that Pochettino’s trust in his players and belief in their creativity seems to be the driving force behind the positive vibe in the squad?